2022 myrtle beach summer bucket list ideas
I’m about 90% hyped for the summer and 10% terrified by it. I think that’s probably true for most of us. Having a plan for the summer is what makes me feel confident that I’ll survive. Today I’m sharing the plan with you! Fair warning, these Myrtle Beach summer bucket list ideas may not be for everyone though…
We’re avoiding most of the typical entertainment focused attractions. We’re opting for outdoor learning and open exploration instead. If that interests you then read on for some ideas to enjoy nature, history, free exploration, simple pleasures, favorite pastimes, and local connections this summer!
Note –– this post is from 2022 and details may have changed.
We have a much more robust and helpful guide available for 2023.
Check that out if you want the most up-to-date info!
seven free summer bucket list ideas
Summer is no excuse to let the budget fly away from you. Let’s focus on the free options around us first!
TRY 3 NEW PARKS | We have created a whole section dedicated to local park reviews so take a look and pick 3 new ones that you’ll try this summer.
Myrtle Beach Art Museum | Did you know we have an art museum? Did you know it was 100% free? Did you know they have a cool Frida Kahlo exhibit going all summer? All three of those things are 100% true and 100% awesome!
Find the Conway Critters | Have you strolled around downtown Conway lately? Do you know about the critters? Have the kids hunt for all 8 and treat them to a delicious baked good from Trestle Bakery.
SC Maritime Museum | Another free museum! This place is full of artifacts from the area’s maritime heritage. The museum has a little scavenger hunt sheet that’ll keep the kids busy and offers a trinket when they complete it.
Vereen Gardens Loop Trail | Get there early to give yourself time on this easy 2.3 mile loop.
Family Fishing Clinic with SCDNR | Fishing clinics are regularly offered in Myrtle Beach and in the South Strand. Check their site often as programs are updated quarterly.
Visit a Farmers Market | We have some awesome local makers, bakers, farmers, and artisans. And four days out of the week a market is happening in our area.
Seven affordable summer bucket list ideas
BROOKGREEN GARDENS | At least one trip over the summer should be on your list. We’ve got the annual pass and live around the corner – and wrote about HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF BROOKGREEN AS A LOCAL. So many new things right now – baby goats, baby otters, and the butterfly exhibit just reopened. Don’t overlook the cool excursions happening now either!
Hampton Plantation | Just past Georgetown in McClellanville you’ll find this state historic site. Park entry is free but tours of the mansion are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. We did this earlier this year and found it fascinating and the kids all handled the tour well too!
Pelicans Game | Baseball just holds too much Americana and childhood nostalgia to go a summer without making it to a minor league game. Go on Family Friday when you can get a $25 family meal deal and a fireworks show!
Sunset Cruise | You’ve got a lot of options for this all over the Grand Strand. We do this with the kids as a celebration for completing the school year. It’s a fitting welcome to all the water fun to come over the summer.
You-Pick Sunflower Festival | This event happens at Southern Palmetto Farms in July (exact dates not yet available). You gotta go for the photo opportunity plus the farm is ready with all the favorites (wagon rides, animal alley, slides, jump pad, etc.)
Swamp Fox Tour | This little blue trolly gives you an hour-long ride around Georgetown providing lots of history and fun facts. My 5 year old and 3 year old did well on it with a snack and some reminders to keep their voices low. Maybe go grab them an ice cream at the Old Georgetown Creamery right before to buy yourself 20 minutes of quiet.
BROWN FOX COFFEE BOX | Ok, this may be a little more for mama than the kiddos but we need a summer vaca too! This little outpost of the Mt Pleasant original is located by Creek Ratz on the Marshwalk. I’m not a coffee drinker but I love a hot tea. FYI, they make their lattes with half as much sugar as Starbucks drinks already. Sip your drink overlooking the inlet, watching the goats, and just enjoying the Marshwalk when it’s actually quiet and peaceful. My kids love it because they usually get a hot chocolate and a free pack of fruit gummies from the barista.
day trip Or overnight getaway ideas
You could turn many of the adventures above into day trips with a little planning and a lot of snacks. And the ones below could easily be short weekend getaways if you’ve got the time and budget. Here are four day/overnight adventures we’ve got on our calendar.
Wilmington, NC | This will be a day trip repeat for years to come because there is so much to do. Here is our hit list for the summer visit: Cape Fear Museum, Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site, a bite at Beach Bagels, and a walk through Airlie Gardens.
Lake City, SC | I’ve been secretly swooning about this place since a friend told me about her impromptu day trip here. It’s a little art mecca. Here is what I want to see and do: Visit the 9 murals (especially the honeybee one), Moore Farms Botanical Garden, Green Frog or Baker’s Sweets for lunch, and a little shopping at Main Street Mercantile.
Mt Pleasant, SC | Stop just short of Charleston and you’ll still have tons to do in Mt Pleasant. Top of our list for the summer is: Boone Hall Plantation, Patriots Point, checking out the water views from the Pier/Waterfront Park Complex, and gotta take advantage of proximity to Trader Joe’s!
Poinsett State Park | This state park in Wedgefield, SC is about the nearest place to go for a taste of the mountains. There are several hiking trails, fishing options, and canoe, kayak or pedal boat rentals. And if you make the drive through Florence then please stop at the brand new Buc-ee’s c-store. As a former Texas resident who took all my out of state visitors to Buc-ee’s, I’m pleased to now be able to continue that tradition here in SC.
ready – Set – go ... get your printable!
I want this hanging on your fridge! Did you miss the printable download? Scroll back up to just under the bucket list graphic and you’ll see it.
So-so-so-so-so excited to get out there. Maybe we’ll see ya at one of these spots this summer. Wouldn’t that be awesome!?